Caramba Duo! Featuring flutist Carla Auld and classical guitarist Ana Maria Rosado will perform Latin music by various composers in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Ocean County Library, Toms River branch on Thursday, September 30th at 7:00pm.

Flutist Carla Auld is a chamber musician and soloist promoting the performance and recording of new classical and cross-over music by New York area and international composers. She is a founding member of Uptown Flutes, winners of the 2002 Artists International Chamber Music Award. Ana Maria Rosado is a dynamic interpreter of classical and contemporary music who has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Far East.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration for the program begins September 2nd. Please register in-person, by phone at 732-349-6200, 609- 971-0514 or online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

The Italian folk group “Sicilia Bedda” (Beautiful Sicily) will perform at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St, Friday October 8 at 1 p.m.

The group composed of 30 members includes a live ensemble that uses guitar, accordion and other modern instruments along with traditional Sicilian musical instruments. Through their music and dance the group seeks to illustrate traditions of ancient Sicily.

Sicilia Bedda has performed at international folkloric festivals around the world

The performance is sponsored by the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee as part of annual Columbus Day celebration.

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will be showing the feature film Invictus on Saturday, September 11th at 2:00 PM. Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Rated PG-13.

The Disney movie Ponyo is scheduled for Saturday, September 25th at 2:00 PM. Ponyo is an animated adventure centered on a 5-year-old boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human. 103 min. Rated G.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. These movies are free and open to the public. Call the branch for specific information: (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org There is no need to register.

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library’s Creative Writing Group will meet on Wednesday, September 15th from 1:00 – 2:30 PM, and Friday, Sept. 24th from 1:00 – 2:30. What is creative writing? It’s an expression of the writer’s thoughts and emotions, rather than merely conveying information. If you love to write in any form – fiction, poetry, screenplays, etc., – this is a chance to meet others with the same passion. Share ideas and information, with the option of bringing in a one-page sample of your work with some copies for others to read. The groups are limited to seven participants each so register early.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register in person, by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, or online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org. If you have any questions, call the branch for specific information.

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is presenting: Preparing to Publish: Writers’ Support Group. They will meet on the following days: Monday Sept. 13th, and Monday Sept. 27th from 7:00-8:30 PM. This group is for those who are on the verge of getting their work published. Participants provide useful, supportive, critical feedback that is designed to bring you to the point of successfully publishing your work. The group is concerned with securing an agent, preparing a query letter, analyzing markets, and addressing those concerns that will lead you to the status of being published. The group is limited to ten participants so register early.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, registering online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or in person. If you have any questions, call the branch for specific information.

MANAHAWKIN – The “Journey to Wellness” – presented by the Mental Health Association of New Jersey – will be at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library on Monday, September 27th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. It provides an environment of support to individuals who are experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse concerns. This peer-run, self-help center empowers individuals having problems with alcohol, drugs, stress, anxiety, depression, etc., to achieve and maintain their wellness, and realize their full potential. This is a non-profit organization, all discussion is confidential, and no fees are involved. No appointment is necessary.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. There is no need to register. For more information, call (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will screen the film, “The Ghost Writer” on Wednesday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular political thriller on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

When a successful ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor) is hired to complete the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan), it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. However, as the ghostwriter works, he uncovers clues suggesting a dark secret linking Lang to the CIA.

This PG13-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series. Although registration is not required, early arrival is recommended.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library will screen, “The Official Story” on Wednesday, September 15, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular foreign film on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

This winner of the 1985 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film details the collapse of an affluent Buenos Aires family that occurs after the wife begins suspecting her adopted daughter may have been stolen from a victim family of the forced disappearances that occurred during Argentina’s Dirty War in the 1970s.

The dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is part of the library’s monthly Independent Film Series. Registration is not required. This program is open all ages although it is geared toward adults.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp. Call 732.657.7600 for more information.

Author Chris Grabenstein, writer of the Jersey Shore based Ceepak mystery series, will be featured at a luncheon sponsored by the Friends on the Barnegat Library on September 23rd.

The Ceepak mystery series is set at the Jersey Shore in a fictitious town, called Sea Haven. It includes the fast-paced, and often times hilarious; Tilt-A-Whirl, Mad Mouse, Whack-A-Mole, Hell Hole, Mind Scrambler and new in 2010 Rolling Thunder.

Grabenstein won the Anthony Award for “Best First Mystery” in 2006 for his debut TILT A WHIRL—the first in a series of John Ceepak stories to be set “Down the Shore” in a New Jersey tourist town called Sea Haven.

The second book, MAD MOUSE, was called one of the “Ten Best Mysteries of 2006” by Kirkus, the American book review journal. WHACK A MOLE came out to great critical acclaim in 2007. The New York Daily News called the fourth Ceepak book, HELL HOLE, a “must-read.” The fifth book in the series MIND SCRAMBLER was published by St. Martin’s Minotaur in 2009. ROLLING THUNDER, available in 2010, rounds out the first Ceepak six pack.

Grabenstein also writes stories for young adults, and is the President of the New York Chapter of the Mystery Writers of American.

The Barnegat Friends of the Library Luncheon with author Chris Grabenstein is scheduled for noon September 23rd at Sea Oaks Country Club in Little Egg Harbor. Tickets are $30.00, and are available by calling Helen Dondzilla at 609-660-9576. Registration forms are also available at the Barnegat Library.

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will be showing the feature film The Young Victoria on Saturday, August 14th at 2:00 PM. This is a dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria’s rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert. Rated PG.

The family movie Surf’s Up is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st at 2:00 PM. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship, and its newest participant, up-and-comer Cody Maverick. Rated PG.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. These movies are free and open to the public. Call the branch for specific information: (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org There is no need to register.

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will present the program: “Herbs” on Monday, August 23rd, at 2:00 PM. Rosemarie Martelli – a Master Gardener and a member of the Master Gardener Association of Ocean County – will give an overview of what herbs to plant and where; their life cycles; growing hints; when to plant; choice of containers; soil preference; how to harvest; and methods of preserving and uses.

A team of master gardeners will be on hand from 1:30 – 4:30 PM to answer your gardening questions and analyze any dead, dying, or diseased cuttings you may wish to bring in. Use the services the Master Gardeners are bringing to southern Ocean County.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, registering online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or in person. If you have any questions, call the library for specific information.

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library’s Creative Writing Group will meet on Wednesday, August 27th from 1:30 – 3:00 PM. What is creative writing? It’s an expression of the writer’s thoughts and emotions, rather than merely conveying information. If you love to write in any form – fiction, poetry, screenplays, etc., – this is a chance to meet others with the same passion. Share ideas and information, with the option of bringing in a one-page sample of your work with some copies for others to read. The groups are limited to seven participants each so register early.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. Please register in person, by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, or online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org. If you have any questions, call the branch for specific information.

MANAHAWKIN – The “Journey to Wellness” – presented by the Mental Health Association of New Jersey – will be at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library on Monday, August 30th, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. It provides an environment of support to individuals who are experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse concerns. This peer-run, self-help center empowers individuals having problems with alcohol, drugs, stress, anxiety, depression, etc., to achieve and maintain their wellness, and realize their full potential. This is a non-profit organization, all discussion is confidential, and no fees are involved. No appointment is necessary.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. There is no need to register. For more information, call (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is presenting the program Brain Games on Wednesday, Sept. 1st from 1:00-2:30 PM. Keeping your mind active improves its performance. Your brain responds to intellectual stimulation by being fit and in good condition. Older adults consistently express their fears about decreasing mental ability such as loss of memory, difficulty in concentrating, inability to adapt to new situations, etc. Just as you do physical exercises to keep your body in shape, doing mental exercises stimulates different parts of your brain and helps retain mental acuity. We’ll provide the brain games and the fun!

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is geared toward adults and is free and open to the public. Please register either in person, by calling: (609) 597-3381, or by visiting our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will host the program – String of Purls on Thursday, Sept. 2nd from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Whether you’re just learning to knit, crochet, embroider, etc., already know how, or want to know what a “purl” is, join our group where experts will be available to answer your questions. Find that creative streak you know you have with this craft that has recently enjoyed an explosion of interest. For beginners, bring size 10 knitting needles and light-colored 4-ply worsted yarn. To crochet, bring the same type of yarn, and a size “I” crochet hook. If you’re more advanced, bring the project you’re working on. This is also an excellent way to exchange ideas.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, registering online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or in person. If you have any questions, call the branch for specific information.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522

jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER LIBRARY TO SHOW

“ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will screen the film, “Alice in Wonderland” on Wednesday, August 25, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this Tim Burton update to the family classic on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

Alice (Mia Wasikowska), now 19 years old, returns to the magical world she first encountered as a child. The other characters you loved from the original story are back, as well. The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), the White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) and many others are brought to life as rich as ever!

This PG-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series. Although registration is not required, early arrival is recommended.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522

jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO HOST BOOK CAFE

MANCHESTER – On Monday, August 30, the Manchester branch library will be holding its monthly book café from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join us as we discuss what we’ve been reading, play literary games, and enjoy light refreshments. Share with others good books that you’ve recently read and pick up suggestions of what to read next.

The Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Jolene Smith, 732.657.7600

jsmith@theoceancountylibrary.org

Manchester Branch Library to Offer

Presentation On Parkinson’s Disease

MANCHESTER, NJ– At the Manchester Branch Library on Tuesday, August 31 at 2:00 pm learn how to fight the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Ron Hyland, the Activities Director for the Pines at Whiting will be the presenter for this free adult workshop geared toward individuals diagnosed with the illness and their families.